Development and testing of a metal-based foam system (demonstrator) for renewable use and storage of waste heat from power production processes. Funded by the European Union, european regional development fund and the district of Baden-Württemberg. Project Duration: 2010/12 - 2012/09
European Regional Development Fund (EFRE) - Regional Competitiveness and Employment (RCE) 2007-2013 - Environmental Program of the Ministry for the Environment, Clima and Energy Baden-Württemberg. For more information on the operational program can be found at the ministry responsible for the promotion of Rural Development and Consumer Protection Baden-Württemberg and
www.rwb-efre.baden-wuerttemberg.de
www.ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/index_de.htm
The principle is based on a phase change material (PCM) that changes the phase from solid to liquid during the heat storage. This is not a totally new concept, but there was a big downside in the past. The bad heat transition due to poor conductivity during the phase change was the issue. In a two year timeframe this problem has been further developed by the interaction of simulation, engineering and tests with structures like metal foam. Engtec was responsible for the mechanical design and prototype build, with the focus on function, materials, manufacturing technology and costs
With system integration an combination with other renewable energy technologies, this storage concept will find its applications in family houses as well as industrial plants. Currently, a demonstrator is at the University of Applied Sciences in Karlsruhe in operation. Engergy source: combined heat and power. Another demonstrator is in the active center of Karlsruhe. Energy source: solar thermal energy. The rights for this novel concept has already been registered!
Demonstrator 1 (LWS) - City of Karlsruhe, source of heat = solar heat.
Demonstrator 2 (LWS) - University of Karlsruhe, source of heat block heating station.
Demonstrator 3 (HLWS) - pilot unit - City of Karlsruhe, source of heat = solar heat.